Tufts Medical School: What You Need to Know

September 17, 2024
Contents

Tufts Medical School Admission Requirements 

Tufts Medical school’s admission requirements are similar to most other medical schools’:

A Bachelor’s Degree:

Prospective students must complete a bachelor’s degree with the following prerequisites:

  • Biology: Full year of introductory or advanced biology coursework.
  • Chemistry: Two years of chemistry coursework that includes at least one semester course in general chemistry and one semester course in organic chemistry.
  • Physics: A semester of physics coursework.
  • Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement (AP) credit does not reduce the required coursework for biology and physics but may be applied toward the general chemistry requirement.

Competencies

Unlike many other medical schools, Tufts lists specific competencies it requires its pre-med students to have to ensure they are prepared for the rigorous curriculum of their MD program:

  • English: Competency in spoken and written English, but English coursework is not required (completing your degree in an English-speaking college or university demonstrates this competency).
  • Math: Competency in the basic concepts of statistics.
  • Biology: Competency in Mendelian genetics as well as cell and molecular biology.
  • Laboratory: Competency in laboratory skills equivalent to two years of laboratory coursework.

You’ll want to ensure you’re well-versed in these topics before entering medical school!

GPA Requirements

According to the 2025 class profile, the average GPA for admitted students was 3.71 in total, with a 3.63 GPA in Science.

MCAT Requirements

The average Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score for the 2025 class was 514 in total. Here is a breakdown of the average scores in each section:

  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 128
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 128
  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 129
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour: 129 

Considering these high MCAT score averages, if you’re interested in becoming a Tufts Jumbo (yes, their mascot is “Jumbo the Elephant,” named after an actual elephant!), you’ll need to study hard for the MCAT and thoroughly understand how to excel in each section.

For elite MCAT prep, contact our tutors in Boston with a free consultation for a 520+ score guarantee.

Tufts Mascot Jumbo the Elephant
Source: Tufts University Athletics

Secondary Application

If the intimidating GPA and MCAT requirements are making you second guess if Tufts Medical School is right for you, rest assured your scores aren’t the only factors the admissions committee will consider. 

The secondary application, which is made up of the following essay prompts that students must answer, is equally as important.

  • Do you wish to include any comments (in addition to those already provided in your AMCAS application) to the Admissions Committee at Tufts University School of Medicine?
  • Please briefly describe your plans for the coming year. Include in this explanation if you will be a student, working, conducting research, volunteering, etc.
  • Do you consider yourself a person who would contribute to the diversity of the student body of Tufts University School of Medicine?
  • Do you have any withdrawals or repeated coursework listed on your transcript(s)?
  • Did you take any leaves of absence or significant breaks from your undergraduate education? (Do not include time off after graduation.)

Remember, when answering these essay prompts to remain genuine and try to make yourself stand out! For the questions regarding withdrawals, repeated coursework, and leaves of absences, ensure you give legitimate reasons and not excuses.

Letters of Recommendation

Another common element of the medical school application process is submitting letters of recommendation from people that can attest to your character. 

While Tufts does not specify who these letters should be written by, students applying to medical schools should always aim to have at least one letter written by an academic faculty member, preferably from a science course. 

Prospective students have two options to choose from when submitting these letters:

1. Students may submit three individual letters that will all arrive at the admissions office separately.

2. Students can request a package of letters to be sent to the admissions committee from the applicant’s undergraduate or post-baccalaureate school’s premedical office or career-service office.

While there is no maximum limit on the letters of recommendation students can submit, applicants generally submit between three and five letters. Remember, it is always better to have fewer superb and personal letters of recommendation than multiple letters that do not adequately demonstrate your skills and abilities.

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Tufts Medical School Acceptance Rate

Despite being a less-known university, Tufts Medical School has an acceptance rate similar to many elite schools. Coming in at around 4%, Tufts’ acceptance rate is comparable to Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (4%), Cornell University (3.4%), and is even more competitive than Yale (4.8%)!

Tufts Medical School Costs

Like any other medical school, Tufts Medical School is expensive. One full academic year in the MD program costs around $99,712 in tuition and other fees.

Fortunately, there are various scholarships available for students that want to attend Tufts but can’t afford to. Tufts Medical School’s need-based scholarships are available to medical students and usually cover 25% of tuition but can cover up to 100%!

For students who don’t qualify for these scholarships or need more than 25% of their tuition covered, there are numerous external scholarships that can cover the full or partial cost of tuition! These scholarships can also be combined with the Tufts needs-based scholarships to offer significant financial aid.

Why Go to Tufts Medical School?

If its reputation, competitiveness, and interesting mascot don’t convince you that Tufts is an excellent choice for medical school, maybe its comprehensive curriculum will. 

With their mission to teach future doctors “to see patients as people, not conditions,” students attending this medical school are guaranteed to make real change and improve the future of medicine.

 As of 2019, entering students attend a mandatory course on historically overlooked aspects of healthcare, the social determinants of health, and professionalism and ethics in medicine.

While it is no secret that inequality exists in the healthcare system, Tufts is one of the few universities that actively addresses this inequality and trains its students to fight against and improve it! So, if you decide to become a doctor to make a real impact on people’s lives, Tufts is the school for you.  

An added bonus is the cool tech toys Tufts medical students get to use! With their multi-million-dollar Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC), students learn foundational skills and gain experience in patient interaction, diagnosis, and treatment. 

CSC has 16 simulated exam rooms, four simulation spaces, and multiple patient simulators, including a pregnant woman.

FAQs: Tufts Medical School

Still have questions about why you should apply to Tufts Medical School? Read on to find the answers.

1. Is Tufts a Good Medical School?

Yes! Tufts Medical School is one of the best schools in the nation and provides a diverse and evolving curriculum that allows students to excel and gain valuable patient experience.

2. What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Tufts Medical School?

The 2025 class had an average GPA of 3.71 in total and 3.63 in science.

3. What Is the Acceptance Rate at Tufts Medical School?

Tufts Medical School is highly selective and only accepts 4% of applicants. Out of the 13,388 applicants for the 2025 class, only 531 students were admitted.

4. What's Special About Tufts Medical School?

Tufts Medical School is dedicated to teaching and redefining medicine, making it more accessible and equitable. 

Additionally, they offer various tools and resources to give their students real hands-on experience through their Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC) to ensure they are well-prepared for their careers in medicine.

5. Does Tufts Medical School Hold Interviews for Prospective Students?

Yes, Tufts holds interviews as part of the application process. For the 2025 class, out of the 13,388 applicants that applied, only 886 were interviewed.

6. Is Tufts Medical School Hard to Get Into?

Tufts Medical School is comparable to other elite schools in terms of how hard it is to get accepted. With a low acceptance rate of only 4%, it is highly competitive and admits only the most promising and talented students.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, after learning more about the Tufts Medical School admission process and the school’s mission and comprehensive curriculum, you’re convinced that Tufts Medical School is a worthwhile option if you are considering going to medical school.

While it isn’t given the same attention as other medical school giants, it has the equal ability to kick-start your medical career and help you become an outstanding doctor.

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